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 A Gopher's Worst Nightmare
Posts: 5094
 
Location: Southern Oregon | I am NOT a huge fan of Impressive bred horses. That being said I ended up with one. That, is just kind of how my life goes. I picked her up a few weeks ago with out her papers. I have ridden her off and on for years for a friend just legging her up. She recently has sat for several years with out being worked. I contacted her OLD owners and found out this girl has some SERIOUS training. Reining, reined cow horse, cutting and patterned on barrels just never pushed. She is on the hot side, but I would love some advice from people who have ridden and competed on IMPRESSIVE bred horses. Any of them turn out as decent barrel horses? She is VERY impressive bred, tested N/N for HYPP. | |
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 I Prefer to Live in Fantasy Land
Posts: 64864
  
Location: In the Hills of Texas | One of the most talented horse I ever owned was Impressive bred. He spent more time trying out how to screw me then just going and doing his job. I bought him messed up and thought I would be able to fix him as I thought it was a pain issue. It was a brain issue.
All you can do is give it a try and make her think it's her idea instead of yours. | |
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 Total Germophobe
Posts: 6443
Location: Montana | I don't know as barrel horses how they are...my first horse was Impressive bred and a great beginners horse, loved that horse. Her foal was/is pretty terrible. Lazy and hard to get along with, not really wanting to work, and definitely boss of the herd when she is around other horses and lets it be known. I don't feel safe around that horse, but she isn't mine so I get along with her the best I can. But I also think that horse needs a come to Jesus moment or too, I don't think her owner does a lot with her, so I'm not completely blaming the horse. I also know it isn't her sire's side because I own a half sister by the same sire that is sweet and temperate and pretty easy to get along with.
Edited by mtcanchazer 2015-05-06 10:10 PM
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A Gopher's Worst Nightmare
Posts: 5094
Location: Southern Oregon | mtcanchazer - 2015-05-06 8:07 PM
I don't know as barrel horses how they are...my first horse was Impressive bred and a great beginners horse, loved that horse. Her foal was/is pretty terrible. Lazy and hard to get along with, not really wanting to work, and definitely boss of the herd when she is around other horses and lets it be known. I don't feel safe around that horse, but she isn't mine so I get along with her the best I can. But I also think that horse needs a come to Jesus moment or too, I don't think her owner does a lot with her, so I'm not completely blaming the horse. I also know it isn't her sire's side because I own a half sister by the same sire that is sweet and temperate and pretty easy to get along with.
This mare is a FIRE BALL! Super quick and catty, spins on a dime has tons of buttons. So far the reason I ask about temperment is that when I talked to the OLD owner, she mentioned how laid back she was, easy going at all events. St Paul Rodeo with fireworks, parades ect. She was queens horse as well. Now when you take her some where she LOOKS for things to spook at. She has tons of potential, I just prefer to not hit the ground on a horse at the first barrel because of shadow or banner. ;) I'm hoping that with more riding she will wisen back up | |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1062
Location: Probably On the Road to the Next Barrel Race! | I had an Impressive crossed on Some Dasher (Dash for Cash)...yes she was a little hot in alley, just wanted to GO, but she also was a good trail horse. She was the cattiest, quickest barrel horse I ever rode, could spin n turn out from under you if you weren't careful. She was a mid-1D, top 2D at big shows, and a 20.5 second pole horse. She was amazing, I loved her, I lost her last year. Oh...also...my husband trained her, said it was like she trained herself, she was that quick and easy. I'd keep her, if you get rid of her, call me, I'll take her. | |
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 338
Location: NE TX | CrossCreek owned one and she was great. It was on the dam side and her dam never did anything but produced NICE babies in barrel and roping pen. | |
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Veteran
Posts: 234
| Yes one of my best barrel horses was Impressive bred he was not hot but a person could make him that way. Very willing and smart I loved that horse easiest horse I ever trained. My daughters horse was injured during her freshman year and she ended up taking him to college as a five year old and not rodeo seasoned. He stepped right up to the plate and held his own with the big boys for a year. I was really glad to get him back when her horse got well. | |
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 Expert
Posts: 3782
Location: Gainesville, TX | They have the repututation for having uncertain temperaments. I've ridden some and they had tempers and would sull up. Not a fan personally. But don't forget impressive was triple bred three bars. I think one could be hot from that race background. So long as they didn't have a horrible temper I'd put up with some spook. | |
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 Member
Posts: 40
Location: SE Oklahoma | I had a double bred impressive gelding. He was probably the most talented athlete I've ever sat on. However mentally he couldn't handle pressure and was pretty unpredictable. But gosh he could run a hole in the wind. Good luck! | |
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Veteran
Posts: 165
| I have an old Impressive mare that I used to run. I loved her. They can be a bit hot, but I wouldn't hesitate to buy another one. She is retired now, but she was such a good all around horse. We used her on the ranch, team penning, she loved to work cows, she has always been good with other horses and was always my go to horse for ponying youngsters... If I could clone her I would.
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What Name?
Posts: 1994
| my gelding is impressive bred a little further back. He's a bit spookish if I don't keep his full attention, but solid heart, loves to please and ridiculously intelligent IMO. I generally only have to show him something twice for it to click. I war told that the reason mine spooks so much is because he's pigeyed and had to turn his head towards it out he can't see it. So when we're working, if he spooks it's generally because he caught it out of the corner of his eye and it startled him.
ETA: There more I ride the less spook I get, and of he's focused, nothing dogs him.
Edited by americanpride08 2015-05-07 6:58 AM
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 Veteran
Posts: 138
| I love them. I've had two and have gotten along with them amazingly. Can't hardly fight them on anything. Despite them being a bit hot, if you just ride them quietly, they respond well. May be why I get along with them so well, because I'm a pretty laid back rider and do a lot of different things with my horses.
My current barrel horse is also Impressive bred. (Out of a Conclusive mare)
Her personality is summed up with the word GRITTY
I absolutely love this horse. She is definitely a little spicier than most, but is incredibly reliable. When I got her, she had only been on barrels for a few months. In the three years I've owned her she has won money ranch sorting (This mare is cowy as hell), money earner as a heel horse and won her first big jackpot (after only 2 days of heeling work), and has paid for herself as a barrel horse. This year will be exciting to see what she does in the barrel pen after almost 2 years off.
Also adding, she's not spooky. If she tries to look at something, I can almost always just push her right through. She's an epic trail horse and will do anything you ask of her.
When I was preggers, she had time off and I decided to start her for ranch horse/reining stuff. While she did really well with the training, barrel races are just infinitely easier to haul to with a young child, so I've just switched her back to barrels in the last month.
I realize she may be unique, but because of her I will NEVER over look an Impressive horse. I've found in the two that I've had, that they have incredible heart. Both of them were similar in work ethic and grit, despite being out of different sons of Impressive crossed on different types of lineage.
I'll post a few pics of this mare. She will be bred to a son of Colonels Smoking Gun next year because of just how **** athletic and gritty she is, for a NRBC hopeful. If you can't tell, I pretty much think she hung the moon. lol
If you came across one, don't overlook the potential there. But like many bloodlines out there, I think they need a specific type of rider to be able to tap into what they have to offer and not everyone gets along with them.
Have even done some over fences and hunt seat stuff with her... shes mighty cute over fences. In fact, both my Impressive horses were honest good jumpers. Although, these days I do it more for me than my horses.
Sorry for the pic overload. I'd really like to see what this horse you got looks like. What is the Impressive crossed with in his lineage?
Edited by CallMeSkidmark 2015-05-07 7:49 AM
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1074
| I could be wrong, but I thought that June Holeman's good horse Sparky was Impressive bred. He was amazing!!! | |
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  Twin Sister to Queen Boobie
Posts: 13315
Location: East Tennessee but who knows?! | CallMeSkidmark - 2015-05-07 7:46 AM I love them. I've had two and have gotten along with them amazingly. Can't hardly fight them on anything. Despite them being a bit hot, if you just ride them quietly, they respond well. May be why I get along with them so well, because I'm a pretty laid back rider and do a lot of different things with my horses. My current barrel horse is also Impressive bred. (Out of a Conclusive mare ) Her personality is summed up with the word GRITTY I absolutely love this horse. She is definitely a little spicier than most, but is incredibly reliable. When I got her, she had only been on barrels for a few months. In the three years I've owned her she has won money ranch sorting (This mare is cowy as hell ), money earner as a heel horse and won her first big jackpot (after only 2 days of heeling work ), and has paid for herself as a barrel horse. This year will be exciting to see what she does in the barrel pen after almost 2 years off. Also adding, she's not spooky. If she tries to look at something, I can almost always just push her right through. She's an epic trail horse and will do anything you ask of her. When I was preggers, she had time off and I decided to start her for ranch horse/reining stuff. While she did really well with the training, barrel races are just infinitely easier to haul to with a young child, so I've just switched her back to barrels in the last month. I realize she may be unique, but because of her I will NEVER over look an Impressive horse. I've found in the two that I've had, that they have incredible heart. Both of them were similar in work ethic and grit, despite being out of different sons of Impressive crossed on different types of lineage. I'll post a few pics of this mare. She will be bred to a son of Colonels Smoking Gun next year because of just how **** athletic and gritty she is, for a NRBC hopeful. If you can't tell, I pretty much think she hung the moon. lol If you came across one, don't overlook the potential there. But like many bloodlines out there, I think they need a specific type of rider to be able to tap into what they have to offer and not everyone gets along with them. Have even done some over fences and hunt seat stuff with her... shes mighty cute over fences. In fact, both my Impressive horses were honest good jumpers. Although, these days I do it more for me than my horses. Sorry for the pic overload. I'd really like to see what this horse you got looks like. What is the Impressive crossed with in his lineage?
LOVE your horse!!!
I have one Conclusive/ Impressive bred gelding and another very heavily Impressive bred gelding. Neither are barrel horses but I have shown them in halter, trail, Extreme Cowboy Races, and have sorted on them both and have done ranch clinics too.
Biggest advice I have is don't over-cue.
They're extremely smart and extremely light. They get frustrated in the same way a smart person does talking to an idiot. Give them something they love to do and you won't find a harder working horse. But if they get bored, or they're not interested you'll have a battle. They need something to keep their interest and very precise cues, and you have to stay one step ahead. | |
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Veteran
Posts: 138
| Yes, Fairweather... my husband calls her "feely". When I got her she rode around like a runaway... Head in the air, hollow through the back, ears pinned 24/7. If I tried to help her or show her how to do something, she would shut down on me and throw her lolli pop in the dirt. She was constantly expecting me to fight her and muscle her around... it took a long time and a lot of patience to teach her that I wasn't going to kill her if she made a mistake. Once she realized I wasn't looking for a fight, she started to blossom and became such a willing partner. Our personalities click seamlessly.
I think for these horses, being a good communicator is key. Over cuing, over correcting, or trying to muscle them around and force them to conform isn't going to end well. Teach their brain, their bodies will follow. They're smart, athletic, and tough. Just gotta tap into it!
Thank you Fairweather! I'm kind of in love with her... lol
Edited by CallMeSkidmark 2015-05-07 9:48 AM
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 Dog Rescue Hero
Posts: 1660
Location: Oklahoma City OK | This topic has come up a hundred times or more and every time it comes up, I have to get on and defend Impressive bred horses. The horse in my avatar (Impressive grandson) was the most responsive, wanting to please, kind horse I've EVER owned. I lost him 2 years ago but am riding his paternal half brother and he too is a joy and a superb athlete. Impressive bred QH's remind me of Arabians, I rode, bred and showed Arabians for many, many years. Some people say they are HOT, I call them sensitive. Such quick learners and they don't like being hammered on. Make your point with them and move on. If you treat them FAIRLY they are fantastic. If you go getting macho on them, you're going to lose. They require horsemanship and logic and reasoning. And yes, ask June Holeman about Impressives! My theory: why not ride a PRETTY athlete?!?!?! AND, too many people forget that Impressive was bred to RUN. Who doesn't like Three Bars?!?!?!
BTW CallMeSkidMark: LOVE LOVE LOVE your mare! | |
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 Expert
Posts: 1857
| CallMeSkidmark - 2015-05-07 9:45 AM
Yes, Fairweather... my husband calls her "feely". When I got her she rode around like a runaway... Head in the air, hollow through the back, ears pinned 24/7. If I tried to help her or show her how to do something, she would shut down on me and throw her lolli pop in the dirt. She was constantly expecting me to fight her and muscle her around... it took a long time and a lot of patience to teach her that I wasn't going to kill her if she made a mistake. Once she realized I wasn't looking for a fight, she started to blossom and became such a willing partner. Our personalities click seamlessly.
I think for these horses, being a good communicator is key. Over cuing, over correcting, or trying to muscle them around and force them to conform isn't going to end well. Teach their brain, their bodies will follow. They're smart, athletic, and tough. Just gotta tap into it!
Thank you Fairweather! I'm kind of in love with her... lol
The way she's turning that barrel, is exactly how my old man gets around them..... He's impressive on the bottom side but his attitude is that he's going to do the least possible work at all times. When he was younger, my father told me I should just get on and whoop him first thing because it never failed I had to get on to him at least once in a day's work and most of the time it was over something stupid and simple. I love him, but man would he test you. He is one of the most athletic horses I've been on, he's doc's little bit, war leo on top, and a personality like no other. Not scared of anything, nosey, very food motivated, would love to be lazy, and works the best when he gets ****ed off.... | |
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Veteran
Posts: 138
| smmthbr - 2015-05-07 9:50 AM
This topic has come up a hundred times or more and every time it comes up, I have to get on and defend Impressive bred horses. Â The horse in my avatar (Impressive grandson) was the most responsive, wanting to please, kind horse I've EVER owned. Â I lost him 2 years ago but am riding his paternal half brother and he too is a joy and a superb athlete. Â Impressive bred QH's remind me of Arabians, I rode, bred and showed Arabians for many, many years. Â Some people say they are HOT, I call them sensitive. Â Such quick learners and they don't like being hammered on. Â Make your point with them and move on. Â If you treat them FAIRLY they are fantastic. Â If you go getting macho on them, you're going to lose. Â They require horsemanship and logic and reasoning. Â And yes, ask June Holeman about Impressives! Â My theory: why not ride a PRETTY athlete?!?!?! Â AND, too many people forget that Impressive was bred to RUN. Â Who doesn't like Three Bars?!?!?! Â Â
BTW CallMeSkidMark: Â LOVE LOVE LOVE your mare! Â Â
Thank you!  This sums the ones I've had up perfectly!
When training on them, get in, get out, and move on.
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Veteran
Posts: 138
| FlyingJT - 2015-05-07 9:56 AM
CallMeSkidmark - 2015-05-07 9:45 AM
Yes, Fairweather... my husband calls her "feely". When I got her she rode around like a runaway... Head in the air, hollow through the back, ears pinned 24/7. If I tried to help her or show her how to do something, she would shut down on me and throw her lolli pop in the dirt. She was constantly expecting me to fight her and muscle her around... it took a long time and a lot of patience to teach her that I wasn't going to kill her if she made a mistake. Once she realized I wasn't looking for a fight, she started to blossom and became such a willing partner. Our personalities click seamlessly.
I think for these horses, being a good communicator is key. Over cuing, over correcting, or trying to muscle them around and force them to conform isn't going to end well. Teach their brain, their bodies will follow. They're smart, athletic, and tough. Just gotta tap into it!
Thank you Fairweather! I'm kind of in love with her... lol
The way she's turning that barrel, is exactly how my old man gets around them..... He's impressive on the bottom side but his attitude is that he's going to do the least possible work at all times. When he was younger, my father told me I should just get on and whoop him first thing because it never failed I had to get on to him at least once in a day's work and most of the time it was over something stupid and simple. I love him, but man would he test you. He is one of the most athletic horses I've been on, he's doc's little bit, war leo on top, and a personality like no other. Not scared of anything, nosey, very food motivated, would love to be lazy, and works the best when he gets ****ed off....
Shes very 4 wheel drive around a barrel. I've never seen a horse approach a barrel pattern like it's a challenge. She loves it. | |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1119
| smmthbr - 2015-05-07 9:50 AM This topic has come up a hundred times or more and every time it comes up, I have to get on and defend Impressive bred horses. The horse in my avatar (Impressive grandson) was the most responsive, wanting to please, kind horse I've EVER owned. I lost him 2 years ago but am riding his paternal half brother and he too is a joy and a superb athlete. Impressive bred QH's remind me of Arabians, I rode, bred and showed Arabians for many, many years. Some people say they are HOT, I call them sensitive. Such quick learners and they don't like being hammered on. Make your point with them and move on. If you treat them FAIRLY they are fantastic. If you go getting macho on them, you're going to lose. They require horsemanship and logic and reasoning. And yes, ask June Holeman about Impressives! My theory: why not ride a PRETTY athlete?!?!?! AND, too many people forget that Impressive was bred to RUN. Who doesn't like Three Bars?!?!?!
BTW CallMeSkidMark: LOVE LOVE LOVE your mare!
The horse in your avatar could be my mare's twin! She's also Impressive bred on top and bottom (although not super close on either side) and she is exactly like all the other descriptions you've gotten so far. Super smart, super sensitive to cues, can be a little hot. It's almost scary how smart she is though. I was doing a drill where I have a cone on each side of the arena and as you get to a cone you turn right or left so you're doing a 4-leaf clover leaf pattern. After the first time of turning at a cone, she started doing it herself, but she was honest and didn't anticipate, just the next time she got to a cone she turned left. Then when I switched directions, she knew to go right at the next cone. Floored me that she picked it up like that.
She is fast, catty, and the most athletic horse I've ever ridden and she's absolutely beautiful! I'm pretty in love with her! The only thing I worry about is her being way more talented than me!
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